Nashville Gains Bridgit Mendler for New Season

Mendler will be playing Ashley Wilkenson, a young, beautiful YouTube sensation who is about to record her first album. Ashley is self-assured, stubborn and extremely talented, but behind her tough exterior is a well of vulnerability.

Outside of her television stardom, but similar to her new on-screen persona, Mendler has had a great deal of success in the music world. She released her album Hello, My Name Is … in 2012 and will be releasing a follow-up record later this year.

Nashvillereturns with a special two-hour premiere on Jan. 5 on CMT. Longtime SVOD partner Hulu will continue to bring fans new episodes of Nashville by making them available to stream the day after they air on CMT.